Bible Figure
Eglon
king appearing in the Book of Judges
Eglon was king of Moab who oppressed Israel until the judge Ehud assassinated him and led Israel to victory.
Biography
Judges 3 says God allowed Eglon to strengthen Moab against Israel after Israel did evil. Allied with Ammon and Amalek, Eglon captured the City of Palms and Israel served him eighteen years. Ehud, a left-handed Benjaminite, brought tribute and then returned claiming a secret message. Alone with Eglon, Ehud drew a concealed sword and killed him, escaped, rallied Israel, and seized the Jordan crossings. Israel then defeated Moab and enjoyed eighty years of rest.
Biblical Significance
Eglon's defeat begins one of Judges' memorable deliverance accounts. The narrative emphasizes God's use of the unexpected Ehud to free Israel after a period of covenant unfaithfulness.